AUSTIN, TEXAS — WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, welcomes Thomas Howell as vice president of water treatment in the U.S., bringing more than 15 years of global experience in desalination and water treatment design, including five with the firm’s Australia operations.
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Thomas Howell |
Based in Austin, Howell spearheads WSP’s efforts to address critical water shortages in Texas, leveraging his expertise in brackish and seawater desalination—a key solution for regions facing unsustainable aquifer levels and rapid population growth.
“Desalination has been identified as one of the vital tools to manage water supply across drought-stricken states like Texas, Louisiana, California and Arizona,” Howell said. “A lot of energy and enthusiasm from our water team is building in the U.S., and I’m excited to help grow our capabilities and emphasize global best practices domestically.”
His experience covers the full project lifecycle—from planning, feasibility and design, to construction, commissioning and operational optimization.
Howell previously served as a process engineer for water treatment in WSP’s Brisbane, Australia, office where he was involved in consequential desalination projects, including the Kangaroo Island Desalination Plant, a two-megaliter-per-day (MLD) capacity facility producing safe and clean drinking water on a South Australia island without a surface water supply; and Belmont Desalination Plant, a 30-MLD capacity facility in Newcastle, Australia, currently under construction. He also worked with leading mining companies on brackish water desalination facilities for sustaining operations in water deprived regions.
“There has never been a more important time for water supply diversification in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Brunton, senior vice president, National Water lead at WSP in the U.S. “It’s no secret that desalination brings a higher energy cost for treatment, so our gains will come from smarter delivery models and collaboration with local communities, governments and industry partners. By bringing best practices and ideas that will maximize energy efficiency and deliver long-term solutions for WSP’s clients, Tom strengthens our reputation as a water treatment and desalination leader committed to solving critical water supply challenges.”
WSP’s extensive experience working on water treatment, desalination and supply restoration projects includes the North Clear Creek Water Treatment plant in Black Hawk, Colorado; the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan for the South Florida Water Management District; and the Destin Water Users Reclaimed Water Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project in Destin, Florida.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 73,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of 19,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.
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